Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
Understanding the unique challenges of narcissistic abuse, I offer support to help you rebuild self-worth, establish boundaries, and break free from toxic patterns.
How to Find Professional Support
Finding a therapist who specializes in narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), abusive relationships, or trauma recovery can be transformative for those healing from narcissistic abuse. A good starting point is a local therapist directory, that allows users to filter by specialty, insurance network, session type (online or in-person), and preferred therapeutic approaches. Alternatively, there are many online therapy services that offer access to licensed therapists specializing in abuse recovery. They often provide the flexibility of video, phone, or chat sessions, which can be helpful for those needing a convenient and accessible option.
Steps to Recovery
Dealing with narcissistic abuse for any amount of time can negatively impact a person’s entire life. Many people lose friends, family members, or even jobs during their time with their abuser.
Acknowledge the Abuse
Before you begin healing from the abuse, you have to acknowledge that it occurred. Since narcissistic abuse can be subtle by nature, you may question for a long time whether you were abused at all.
Set Boundaries From Your Abuser
Narcissistic abusers often try to reconcile with you by promising to change, however, they are just trying to manipulate you further. This is why setting boundaries is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dow explains that narcissists are good at seeking out warm, sensitive people that they feel they can manipulate. If you think that the person you're with could be a narcissist, Dow says it's important to ask yourself these questions:
Although narcissistic abuse is not a formally recognized diagnosis, it is often used to describe a syndrome where being in a relationship to a narcissistic partner can adversely affect one's emotional health. To begin the healing process, first, you have to identify the instances of abuse. This can be harder than it sounds.
Dow explains that the primary goal for a person who is healing from narcissistic abuse is often learning to trust themselves again after years of experiencing gaslighting in the relationship. To slowly work back toward learning to trust yourself again, keep these things in mind: